2018 NFL Draft Prospects: Safeties

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

The top 2018 Safety prospects available for the 2018 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2019 prospect. ** – denotes 2020 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2018. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Derwin James*, S, Florida State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 211.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
   Projected Round (2018): Top-20.
   4/25/18: In 2017, James totaled 84 tackles with 11 passes batted and two interceptions. He was able to display good instincts and rare combination of size, speed, physicality and versatility. Many teams have James as the top safety for the 2018 NFL Draft and many expect him to be the first safety selected.
   
   For the NFL, James fits as a strong safety who is a tough eighth defender in the box. Some team sources feel that James is not a good fit as a deep center fielder. They think he has some coverage limitations as a free safety, but should be able to play man against tight ends. They don’t think he is a fit to play nickel corner and cover slot receivers. One area scout thought James could end up adding weight and grow into being a Will linebacker, similar to Mark Barron.
   
   While James didn’t have a flawless performance against Alabama, it was good overall with six tackles and .5 sacks. Except for a missed tackle on a 70-yard touchdown run, James played well against N.C. State. He was dynamic on special teams, including having a kick return for a touchdown called back. Against Syracuse, James snatched his second career interception and could have had three more, including some drops.
   
   Prior to the 2017 season, scouting sources said that they had James as an overall top-three talent for the 2018 NFL Draft – regardless of position. Sources from around the league feel that James is a stud defender who has transcendent ability for what he can do for a defense.
   
   7/24/17: Entering the 2016 season, there was hype that James was an elite player and perhaps the best defensive player in college football. James totaled 11 tackles through two games in 2016 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. As a freshman in 2015, James had a strong debut with 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, four passes broken up, two forced fumbles and zero interceptions. He has a great athletic skill set.





2. Minkah Fitzpatrick*, S, Alabama
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 204. Arm: 31.25. Hand: 9.38.
   40 Time: 4.46.
   Projected Round (2018): Top-16.
   4/25/18: At the combine, Fitzpatrick ran well in the 40-yard dash and had a good workout. He totaled 60 tackles, one interception, eight passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2017. Fitzpatrick played well, covering receivers downfield, staying around the ball, and helping out his cornerbacks. With his versatility, he can play nickel corner over slot receivers, cover tight ends in man, and be the deep free safety center fielder who protects the deep part of the field. He also can function as a strong safety and be the eighth man in the box, although if he plays a lot of that role in the NFL, he should gain some weight.
   
   Versus Texas A&M, Fitzpatrick was all over the field with a lot of clutch tackles, cleaning up plays for his defense, and making a critical fourth-quarter interception near the end zone. He also recovered the onside kick attempt to secure the win for Alabama. In Week 1, he was beaten for a jump ball in the end zone by Florida State wide receiver Auden Tate. The 6-foot-5 wideout jumped above Fitzpatrick to make the short touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone.
   
   7/24/17: In 2016, Fitzpatrick recorded 66 tackles with seven passes broken up and six interceptions. He was dominant at times for Alabama, splitting time between corner and safety. Fitzpatrick had a superb 2015 season for the Crimson Tide. The freshman totaled 45 tackles with two sacks, 11 passes broken up and two interceptions – both returned for a touchdowns.
   
   The 6-foot-1, 203-pounder has excellent size and some natural cover skills. He has a ton of upside to develop. It sounds as if his preference and natural position is safety.



3. Ronnie Harrison*, S, Alabama
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 207. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.5.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-2.
   4/25/18: In 2017, Harrison had 74 tackles with 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and four passes batted. He played really well as an enforcer in the middle of the field. Harrison is a tough run defender who has the athletic skills to cover, but he has issues dealing with receivers in man coverage. Team sources have said an example of that was Clemson’s Hunter Renfrow really abusing Harrison in the past, and that is why Minkah Fitzpatrick was the coverage safety for the Crimson Tide. Playing zone in the middle of the field is a better fit for Harrison. Because of some coverage limitations, Harrison is a strong safety type for the NFL. Some teams see Harrison as a second-rounder, but they think he still could go in the first round as they don’t have 32 players with first-round grades, which will lead some second-rounders to go on Thursday night of the 2018 NFL Draft.
   
   7/24/17: Harrison had a strong 2016 season for Alabama with 86 tackles, seven passes broken up and two interceptions. He notched two interceptions and six breakups as a freshman in 2015. As a junior, Harrison could take his game to another level. Scouting sources say that Harrison’s physical talent is incredible.



4. Terrell Edmunds*, S, Virginia Tech
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 217. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 10.5.
   40 Time: 4.47.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-3.
   4/25/18: Some team sources tell me they think that Edmunds is a very underrated prospect and have him as a high second-rounder. Others have him late in Round 2 or early in Round 3.
   
   Edmunds hasn’t gotten as much attention as his brother Tremaine Edmunds, but NFL sources have told WalterFootball.com that Terrell Edmunds really impressed them as well. Edmunds has good size to be an NFL safety and displayed coverage skills the past few seasons. Edmunds played well in 2017 with 59 tackles, two interceptions and four passes broken up. As a sophomore, he totaled 89 tackles, four interceptions and three passes broken up. Sources say they see Terrell Edmunds grading out as a second-day prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft. He had a strong combine performance to help himself.
   
   In pass coverage, Edmunds is a talented player. Edmunds shows an impressive ability to run with receivers downfield and maintain close coverage. Few defenders with a strong safety build can run with receivers like Edmunds can. He lines up against slot receivers and runs the route while also running with them downfield. In zone coverage, Edmunds covers a lot of ground and picks up targets coming into his area. He breaks on the ball quickly and tracks it well downfield. Edmunds has ball skills to break passes up and intercept the ball. Occasionally, Edmunds can take some missed steps in coverage and is stiff. Thus, he’s better off as a strong safety but that can contribute in coverage.





5. Justin Reid*, S, Stanford
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 207. Arm: 31.63. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.40.
   Projected Round (2018): 1-3.
   4/25/18: Reid played really well for a lot of 2017, impressing NFL scouts. Sources who are tough graders said they think Reid has early-round potential for the 2018 NFL Draft. They say that Reid doesn’t have Earl Thomas-like range as a free safety or Kam Chancellor-like size as a strong safety, but he does everything well. Reid is a good free or strong safety with the ability to run and tackle. They say that he is a polished, clean, good all-around safety similar to HaHa Clinton-Dix coming out of Alabama. Evaluators said that Reid didn’t close out the season as well and had some rough tapes late in the year, including a game against USC in which the Trojans targeted him and exploited him in man coverage on slot receivers all night. That is likely to end up pushing him to Day 2 in the 2018 NFL Draft.
   
   In 2017, Reid notched 99 tackles with six passes broken up and five interceptions. Stanford also used Reid as a slot cornerback, and while he was able to do that somewhat, he was picked on repeatedly by USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Reid is a well-rounded safety, but probably shouldn’t play a ton of slot corner in the NFL.
   
   Reid totaled 57 tackles with seven breakups as a sophomore. Reid is the younger brother of 49ers safety Eric Reid, a first-round pick out of LSU in 2013.



6. Jessie Bates**, S, Wake Forest
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 200. Arm: 31.63. Hand: 9.75.
   40 Time: 4.50.
   Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
   4/25/18: Sources singled Bates out as a player who impressed them at the combine. He ran well in the 40 and looked good in the field work. Bates is an intelligent player who could be a nice sleeper pick.
   
   Bates had a respectable redshirt sophomore season with 79 tackles, five passes broken up and an interception. His freshman year was more impressive with five interceptions, 100 tackles and four passes broken up. For the NFL, Bates could use more strength and weight on his frame to help him tackle.



7. DeShon Elliott*, S, Texas
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 210. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 10.5.
   40 Time: 4.58.
   Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
   4/25/18: Elliott enjoyed a breakout 2017 season and was one of the nation’s leaders in interceptions with six. The junior also had 63 tackles and three passes broken up. After announcing he would enter the 2018 NFL Draft, Elliott sat out Texas’ bowl game.
   
   Elliott has NFL size with good instincts. He fits as a free safety for the pro game, and some team sources have told me that they’ve given him a second-day grade. They say that Elliott lacks elite athletic ability and the speed to be a first-round pick, but he makes plays in coverage and is a willing participant against the run. It would have been hard for Elliott to duplicate his production if he had returned for his senior year, so it was in his interest to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft – like he did. However, there are concerns in the scouting community about Elliott’s speed and his ability to cover downfield against pro speed receivers.



8. Jordan Whitehead*, S, Pittsburgh
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 198. Arm: 29.75. Hand: 8.5.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
   Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
   4/25/18: Off-the-field issues have hurt Whitehead with teams. If he had stayed for his senior year, they heard that he could have had another suspension as the result of a failed test. Teams view Whitehead as an undersized strong safety who has awareness that is off.
   
   Whitehead had a three-game suspension to start the 2017 season. That suspension really hurt his team in Week 2 as the Panthers really missed him against Penn State. In 2017, Whitehead totaled 60 tackles with three passes broken up and one interception. Pittsburgh also used Whitehead on offense as a running back, at which he notched 147 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries for the year. Whitehead decided to skip his senior year to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine, but he looked good in the field work. The interviews were the most important part for Whitehead.
   
   7/24/17: Whitehead is a physical safety who has good instincts. He broke out as a freshman with 108 tackles, six passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble. In 2016, Whitehead had 65 tackles with two breakups and an interception while missing multiple games with an arm injury. Scouting sources like Whitehead, and if he were bigger, he might be a sure-fire first-rounder.







9. Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
   Height: 5-10. Weight: 191. Arm: 31.63. Hand: 8.88.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
   Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
   4/25/18: Watts totaled 87 tackles with five passes broken up, four interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2017. He missed the Aggies’ bowl game with an injury. One of his picks was in overtime to beat Arkansas. Watts is an instinctive defender who is always around the ball and covers a lot of ground even though he lacks speed. He makes a lot of clutch plays.
   
   Watts has problems in man coverage, and that was exposed by UCLA tight end Caleb Wilson. In the open field, offensive players can run away from Watts, and sources say that lack of foot speed was seen from him timing a slow 40.
   
   Sources say that Watts has good reaction on plays underneath, struggles in man coverage on tight ends, gets caught flat-footed, and jumps any initial moves. They feel that he is smaller, lacks speed, and misses too many tackles. Those sources graded him in the fourth round.
   
   7/24/17: Watts made a lot of clutch plays for the Aggies in 2016. He had 56 tackles with six for a loss, two forced fumbles, three passes broken up and two interceptions on the year. Watts totaled 126 tackles with two passes broken up and one interception in 2015. Like teammate Myles Garrett, Watts was an impressive freshman who was impossible to ignore in 2014. He totaled 59 tackles with nine passes broken up and three interceptions that season.
   
   Watts has displayed some instincts and play-making skills with free safety potential for the NFL with his ability to contribute in pass coverage. He could stand to improve his tackling, but has flashed the ability to make tackles in space.



10. Kyzir White, S, West Virginia
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 216. Arm: 32. Hand: 9.88.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4/25/18: White has good size to him to be a strong safety in the NFL, plus had a solid senior season. He totaled 94 tackles with four passes broken up, two forced fumbles, one sack and three interceptions in 2017. As a junior, he had 58 stops with five breakups, three sacks and zero picks. White’s strong play earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he had a solid week of practice in Mobile.



11. Siran Neal, S, Jacksonville State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 206. Arm: 31.13. Hand: 9.88.
    40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Neal is a small-school prospect who scouts said impressed them during the fall. The senior is a quality run defender and has some coverage skills. Playing cornerback, he totaled 39 tackles with 11 passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception in 2017. As a junior, he recorded 80 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, .5 sacks, four passes batted, one forced fumble and an interception.
    
    Jacksonville State had Neal playing corner, but scouts say that for the NFL, he projects to safety as he is kind of tight. However, he is a physical and aggressive defender who would fit safety well. They think Neal could be at least a good backup and special teams contributor. He helped his draft stock by having a decent week at the Senior Bowl.



12. Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 215. Arm: 30.5. Hand: 9.38.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Allen notched 72 tackles with three passes broken up, two forced fumbles and an interception. He was a solid, but unspectacular, defender for Penn State.
    
    7/24/17: Allen was a really good run defender for Penn State in 2016 as he totaled 110 tackles with six for a loss and three passes broken up. He did have zero interceptions and will need to change that as a senior or a lack of ball skills will be part of his draft report. Allen had 81 tackles as a sophomore and 58 tackles as a freshman. He didn’t snag any interceptions in either of those seasons.





13. Natrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 201. Arm: 32.63. Hand: 9.75.
    40 Time: 4.40.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: At the combine, Jamerson had an excellent workout, running extremely fast in the 40-yard dash while looking very fluid and athletic in the field work. He broke into the starting lineup as a senior and turned in a quality 2017 season for the Badgers with 51 tackles, 10 passes broken up and two interceptions. Jamerson has some versatility from having played some cornerback for Wisconsin as well as returning kicks on special teams. With his speed and build, Jamerson could be a special teams asset in the NFL.
    
    Jamerson earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine, and he was impressive in St. Petersburg. In practice there, Jamerson was a ball-hawk with multiple interceptions in the team scrimmages. Some league sources say that Jamerson has a high IQ and character. He is a sleeper safety who could be a nice mid-round value pick.



14. Damon Webb, S, Ohio State
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 209. Arm: 31.25. Hand: 8.13.
    40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Webb had 61 tackles with five interceptions and three passes broken up in 2017. At the East-West Shrine, Webb put together a solid week of practice. He has some instincts and intelligence that keep him in good position while consistently being around the ball. Webb needs to add weight to his frame and get stronger for the NFL. Tackling pro backs could be an issue for him. He could compete to be a third or fourth safety who contributes on special teams.
    
    7/24/17: Webb broke into the starting lineup for Ohio State in 2016 and had a solid season as the strong safety next to Malik Hooker. Webb totaled 57 tackles with three passes broken up and one interception on the season. It will be interesting to see if Webb can show the versatility to play free safety with Hooker in the NFL.



15. Van Smith*, S, Clemson
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 186. Arm: 30.13. Hand: 9.38.
    40 Time: 4.61.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Smith totaled 49 tackles and an interception in 2017. Sources say that Smith should have returned to school, but he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.
    
    7/24/17: Smith was the best safety for Clemson in 2016 as the program had to replace both of its starting safeties from the 2015 season. He totaled 96 tackles with 5.5 for a loss, two passes broken up and two interceptions. Smith could be even better in 2017 now that he has a year of experience.





16. Dominick Sanders, S, Georgia
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 193. Arm: 30.63. Hand: 9.25.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Sanders had 40 tackles with five passes broken up and four interceptions in 2017. Sources say that Sanders improved his tackling from 2016, but it remains an issue for the NFL. They like his instincts and cover skills though. Some teams are grading him late, though they wouldn’t be surprised if a team takes him earlier.
    
    7/24/17: In 2016, Sanders totaled 34 tackles, seven passes broken up and three interceptions. Sanders had a huge 2015 season in pass coverage. On the year, the sophomore had six interceptions with six passes broken up. He also chipped in 48 tackles. Sanders showed his ball skills as a freshman with three picks and five passes broken up.
    
    Sanders flashes but lacks consistency. Getting stronger and improving his tackling production could help him as a senior.



17. Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 209. Arm: 31.75. Hand: 8.13.
    40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
    4/25/18: Blanding recorded 137 tackles with four interceptions and six passes broken up in 2017. He is a good run defender, but he has some limitations in pass coverage for the NFL. His ability to run with NFL receivers is in question, and his slow 40 time at the combine hurts his cause.
    
    7/24/17: Blanding had 120 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions in 2016. In 2015, he recorded 115 tackles with an interception and three passes batted. Blanding had the most tackles of any freshman in college football in 2014 with 123 stops. He also notched three interceptions and six passes defensed.
    
    For the NFL, Blanding is more of a strong safety type. He has issues with taking some poor angles and pass-coverage limitations.



18. Godwin Igwebuike, S, Northwestern
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 213. Arm: 31.25. Hand: 9.75.
    40 Time: 4.44.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Igwebuike had 78 tackles with nine passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He was a solid defender for the Wildcats.
    
    7/24/17: In 2016, Igwebuike totaled 108 tackles with seven passes broken up and two interceptions. Igwebuike was a good contributor in 2015 for a tough Northwestern defense. On the year, he totaled 87 tackles with five breakups. Igwebuike had three interceptions and 51 tackles as a freshman.



19. Tray Matthews, S, Auburn
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 209. Arm: 33.13. Hand: 8.25.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Matthews totaled 59 tackles with two passes broken up and one interception in 2017. As a junior, he had 76 tackles with three breakups and an interception. Matthews was a solid defender for Auburn and has a skill set to work with for the NFL. His strong play earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he had some good moments in practice in Mobile. Matthews was very physical, showing the speed and strength to be a forceful hitter. He did not participate in the combine.



20. Trayvon Henderson, S, Hawaii
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 204. Arm: 32.38. Hand: 9.75.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Henderson is another off-the-radar prospect who had a quality week at the Senior Bowl. The senior totaled one interception, three passes broken up and 55 tackles in 2017. He put together an impressive junior year with 90 tackles, two sacks, seven passes broken up, 10.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions. Henderson did not receive a combine invitation.



21. Jeremy Reaves, S, South Alabama
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 204. Arm: 30.38. Hand: 7.25.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Every year at the Senior Bowl, some smaller-school defensive backs take advantage of the all-star game attention to showcase their talent against more highly touted players. Reaves held his own against the better competition in Mobile and showed that he could compete with a higher-caliber opponent. Reaves was a tackling machine over the past three seasons, totaling 104 tackles as a senior, 85 as a junior and 96 as a sophomore. He also totaled eight career interceptions, with three as a senior. Reaves notched eight passes broken up in 2017 as well. He did not receive a combine invitation.



22. Tre Flowers, S, Oklahoma State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 202. Arm: 33.63. Hand: 9.5.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
    Projected Round (2018): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Flowers had a good career for the Cowboys, including a senior year in which he notched 79 tackles with eight passes broken up and two interceptions. He recorded seven breakups as a junior and seven breakups as a sophomore. Flowers’ 2015 season saw him rack up 83 tackles and two picks as well. At the combine, Flowers ran fast and helped himself.



23. Jamar Summers, S/CB, Connecticut
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.56.
    Projected Round (2017): 5-7.
    4/25/18: Summers notched 63 tackles with seven passes broken up, one interception and a forced fumble in 2017. While competing at safety, he didn’t impress at the East-West Shrine. Summers did not participate in the combine.
    
    9/1/17: During 2016, Summers totaled 59 tackles with nine passes broken up and two interceptions while splitting time between cornerback and safety. Summers had a big 2015 season for Connecticut with eight interceptions, three passes broken up and 39 tackles. Given his position flexibility, Summers may end up being a coverage free safety in the NFL who also can play some man coverage on receivers.



24. Jordan Martin, S, Syracuse
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 206.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Martin totaled 25 tackles with three passes broken up before missing the final four games of the 2017 season. Before playing with Syracuse as a senior, Martin used his first three seasons of eligibility at Toledo. He had two breakups and an interception as a freshman. Martin notched four passes broken up per year as a sophomore and junior.
    
    Martin put together a solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine. He has good height and length to help him be a matchup option for taking on receiving tight ends and big receivers. Martin could be a third-day sleeper who ends up being a nice value from the 2018 NFL Draft. He did not participate in the combine.



25. Sean Chandler, S, Temple
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 205. Arm: 30.75. Hand: 8.25.
    40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Chandler started out his collegiate career at cornerback before switching to free safety as a junior. In his final season at corner, Chandler had four interceptions with 66 tackles and 10 passes broken up. He transitioned to safety with 51 tackles one breakup and two interceptions during his junior year. In 2017, Chandler had 79 tackles with four passes broken up and three interceptions at free safety.



26. Steven Parker, S, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 201.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Parker totaled 63 tackles with six passes broken up in 2017.
    
    7/24/17: In 2016, Parker totaled 63 tackles with two interceptions and four passes broken up. He recorded 60 tackles with four passes broken up in 2015 after contributing 31 tackles with six breakups as a freshman.



27. Jaleel Wadood, S, UCLA
    Height: 5-10. Weight: 175.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2017): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Wadood notched 80 tackles with three passes broken up, one interception and two forced fumbles in 2017.
    
    7/24/17: Wadood totaled 77 tackles with four passes broken up in 2016. He had an impressive 2015 season for UCLA with 72 tackles, four breakups and two interceptions. Wadood needs to add more size to his frame for tackling in the NFL.



28. Drue Tranquill, S, Notre Dame
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: For 2017, Tranquill recorded 80 tackles with an interception, forced fumble and three passes broken up.
    
    7/24/17: Notre Dame’s defense had a horrible 2016 season, but Tranquill held his own as he totaled 80 tackles with two passes broken up and an interception. He has the skill skill set and upside to produce more in 2017.



29. Marcell Harris, S, Florida
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 216. Arm: 32. Hand: 8.63.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: As a senior, Harris totaled 73 tackles with two interceptions, one forced fumble and one pass broken up. He flashed at times, but lacked consistency and needs to improve his coverage skills for the NFL. Harris will have to make a team as a core special teams contributor.



30. Tyree Robinson, S, Oregon
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: In 2017, Robinson recorded 48 tackles with five passes broken up and two interceptions.
    
    7/24/17: Robinson recorded 53 tackles, one interception and six passes broken up in 2016. In 2015, he notched 64 tackles with three interceptions and five passes broken up. Robinson has good length to him.



31. Jarrod Franklin, S, Tulane
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 205.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.57.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Another player who I’ve heard being evaluated for the NFL is Franklin. The senior totaled 72 tackles with six passes broken up and an interception in 2017. In 2016, he recorded 78 tackles with a pass broken up, an interception and a sack.



32. Troy Apke, S, Penn State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 200. Arm: 32.38. Hand: 8.38.
    40 Time: 4.34.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Apke is one of the top workout warriors for the 2018 NFL Draft, turning in a huge combine performance with a shockingly fast 40 time. In 2017, Apke totaled 55 tackles with five passes broken up and one interception. As a junior, he had 28 tackles and an interception with 26 tackles and one breakup as a sophomore. Apke will have to compete to make a team as a backup safety and core special teams contributor.



33. Joshua Kalu, S, Nebraska
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 195.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
    Projected Round (2018): 6-FA.
    4/25/18: Kalu started out his collegiate career as a cornerback before moving to safety as a senior. As a sophomore, he totaled 75 tackles with three interceptions and seven passes broken up. The next season, he had 66 tackle with 11 breakups and one pick. In his one year at safety, Kalu notched 47 tackles with six breakups and two interceptions.



34. Stephen Roberts, S, Auburn
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 186. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 8.88.
    40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Roberts was the starter at strong safety for Auburn in 2017, but he will have to gain weight for that role in the NFL. As a senior, Roberts totaled 50 tackles with seven breakups and zero interceptions. He had 57 tackles and two picks as a junior.



35. Nick Washington, S, Florida
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 197.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Washington recorded 29 tackles in 2017, but zero pass breakups or interceptions. He only played in five games.
    
    7/24/17: Washington replaced Keanu Neal for the Gators in 2016 and was a solid defender for Florida. He notched 45 tackles with one interception and a pass broken up. The Gators will need him to improve as a senior with Marcus Maye having moved on to the NFL.






36. Trey Marshall, S, Florida State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 210.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Marshall totaled 44 tackles with 1.5 for a loss and one pass broken up in 2017.
    
    7/24/17: In 2016, Marshall totaled 58 tackles with four passes broken up and zero interceptions. He had 21 tackle as a sophomore and 12 as a freshman backup. Marshall has the skill set to produce more.



37. Max Redfield, S, Indiana-PA
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 199. Arm: 30. Hand: 9.25.
    40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Redfield started out his collegiate career at Notre Dame before being dismissed from the team after an arrest for possession of marijuana and an unlicensed firearm. After dropping down in competition, Redfield totaled 78 tackles with nine breakups and four interceptions as a senior. He had 64 tackles in 2016 and 68 tackles in 2015.



38. Donnie Miles, S, North Carolina
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 210.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2018): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Miles notched 37 tackles and an interception across six games in 2017. Sources say he is a limited player and have given him an undrafted free agent grade.
    
    7/24/17: Miles notched 102 tackles and two passes broken up on the season in 2016. He put together a huge 2015 season for the Tar Heels in terms of run defense and was one of their best players. Miles totaled 128 tackles on the season, but had zero interceptions and two passes broken up. He notched one breakup, zero picks and 53 tackles as a freshman.



39. Cole Reyes, S, North Dakota
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2017): 7-FA.
    4/25/18: Reyes totaled 25 tackles over four games in 2017. He didn’t have the senior season he needed to validate his preseason estimation from National Scouting and wasn’t invited to the combine.
    
    7/24/17: Scouting sources say that Reyes is on their watch lists for the 2018 NFL Draft. He is said to have received a 5.7 grade from National, and that translates to an estimation of a high fourth-round grade heading into his senior year. 2016 was a productive season for Reyes and the Fighting Hawks. He totaled three interceptions, two forced fumbles, eight passes broken up, 1.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 70 tackles on the year. Reyes is said to have a starter’s combination of size and speed for a NFL safety.



40. Ed Paris, S, LSU
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 210.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
    Projected Round (2018): FA.
    4/25/18: Paris totaled eight tackles and four passes broken up over his three games of 2017.
    
    7/24/17: Paris has been a backup and rotational defender who should take on a bigger role with Jamal Adams and Tre’Davious White moving on to the NFL. Paris could rise as a senior. Paris has 17 tackles in his career and also is a contributor on special teams.



41. Evan Berry, S, Tennessee
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 207.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
    Projected Round (2018): FA.
    4/25/18: Berry only had four kick returns for 143 yards in 2017 before going down with a season-ending injury.
    
    7/24/17: Berry notched just 12 tackles in 2016, but performed really well on kick returns. He averaged 32.9 yards per kick return with one touchdown. Unless he has a breakout year as a safety, for the NFL, he looks like just a return specialist. Berry was a phenomenal kick returner in 2015 for Tennessee with three touchdowns and a ridiculous average of 38.3 yards per kick return. As a freshman and sophomore, he combined for 23 tackles on defense.

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